Question

What is the mechanical advantage of an ideal pulley?

Answer 1

In an ideal pulley, we neglect

• the mass of the string
• the friction at the axle

In the balanced position of load,
$Load\left(L\right)=Effort\left(E\right)=Tension\left(T\right)$

So the ideal mechanical advantage of a pulley is:
$M.A.=\frac{Load\left(L\right)}{Effort\left(E\right)}$=$\frac{T}{T}=1$